Course summary
The BSc Games Programming course is designed in such a way as to provide students with all the knowledge and skills required to have a successful career in the Computer Games industry. The Computer Games industry has developed throughout the decades of its existence a reputation of being one of the most competitive and companies are constantly looking for highly creative people possessing a passion about creating computer games. In this course you will focus on the programming and development of computer games starting from the foundation principles of computer games programming. In this course we insist also on the principle of “theory put into practice” and with the assistance of our bright new, state-of-the-art equipped, computer labs you will have every opportunity to experience this principle materialising, gaining both the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills you need to develop first-rate computer games. You will have an opportunity to fully explore other key computer games elements like development of ideas, planning, problem-solving and the economics of creating a complete computer game ready to be launched in the market. You will study core modules, which cover concepts and skills from fundamental to advance, including: Computer Systems, Problem Solving & Programming, Computer Games Programming, Programming for “Unity3D” Game Engine (fundamental to advance), Programming for “Unreal 4” Game Engine (fundamental to advance), Computer Graphics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Techniques, Simulation & Dynamics, Internet Technology and Computer Games Techniques. 95% of final year Computer games and animation students at The University of Northampton agreed they were satisfied with the course, while 100% of students agreed that staff have made the subject interesting.* By studying at the University of Northampton, you can be sure that:
- You will experience student life at the University’s £330 million Waterside Campus. Come along to an Open Day and find out more.
- Students enrolling on this course at Northampton will be provided with their own brand new laptop** to keep at no additional cost. All sports clubs and societies are free to join at Northampton and every essential course text book is available via the library, meaning you won’t have to purchase copies. For more information on this visit our website (northampton.ac.uk/benefits).
- At UON we guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time, first year students who apply and accept their room offer by June 2025 - and we won't ask for a deposit for September 2025***
- Our expert academics teach in small groups supported with one to one assistance. Our academics and students form a tight bond, providing individualised support and guidance whilst challenging students academically.
- Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd.
- We’re so confident in our careers and employability support that if you achieve at least a 2:2 degree and complete either our Employability Plus Gold programme or achieve a Changemaker Gold Certificate during your time studying with us, but still haven’t secured full-time employment 12 months after graduating, we will secure a three – six month paid internship for you or support you into postgraduate study.
Modules
Stage 1: • Fundamentals of Programming (compulsory) • Programming for Games Engines (compulsory) • Database Design for Computer Games (compulsory) • Group Game Project: Fundamentals (compulsory) • Programming 2D Computer Games (compulsory) • Computer Games Architecture and Optimisation (compulsory) Stage 2: • Indie Games Development (compulsory) • Native Programming and Compilation (compulsory) • Mathematics for Computer Games (compulsory) • 2D Graphics Programming for Computer Games (compulsory) • Programming 3D Computer Games (compulsory) • Group Game Project: Advanced (compulsory) Optional Placement Year • Learning Through Work (WBL) (designated) Stage 3: • Games Dissertation (compulsory) • Simulation and Dynamics (compulsory) • Advanced AI and Applications (compulsory) • Graphics 2 (compulsory) • Game Techniques 3 (compulsory) • Group Project 3 (compulsory) Module information is quoted for 2024 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly.
Assessment method
Assessment is a mixture of studio based design projects (continual assessment), portfolio development, and written assignments.
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- I610
- Institution code:
- N38
- Campus name:
- Waterside Campus
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 112 points
A level - BCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
Access to HE Diploma - M: 30 credits
Scottish Higher - BBBB
AS
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) - DMM
Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF)
Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
Pearson BTEC Certificate (QCF)
Scottish Advanced Higher - BCC
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 25 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Extended Project
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H3
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - M2, M3, M3
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - DMM
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma
OCR Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma
OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
OCR Cambridge Technical Certificate
AQA Level 3 (Foundation) Technical Level (360 glh)
AQA Level 3 Technical Level (540 glh)
AQA Level 3 Technical Level (720 glh)
AQA Level 3 Technical Level (1080 glh) - DMM
T Level - Pass (C and above)
GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 (or C) or equivalent is required. Please note Key Skills or Functional Skills qualifications and their equivalents are not accepted.
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £9535 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
University of Northampton
The University of Northampton
Waterside Campus
University Drive
Northampton
NN1 5PH